As a beginner in this hobby I was advised by my LHS that my first layout should be something already published. Taking this advice I researched the various types of track and plans available.
I chose Atlas True Track because it comes with a plastic roadbed that can be removed when I decide I want to go with the permanent layout. With it I can make a temporary layout to use while the new train room is under construction.
I bought the TT9a layout. On the Atlas website it’s numbered 10046-TT. It came with the book “Blueprints For 10 True Track Layouts”. The biggest problem is it doesn’t tell you which pieces of track go where. Most of the track is easy to figure out. The 22” curve goes on the outside mainline, 18” curve is on the inside mainline. The 9” straight is easy to see but the 1-1/2”, 2”, and 3” pieces of straight track are almost impossible to determine. The sections look alike in the drawing.
After the first attempt I had sections where the track didn’t line up or if you tried to connect them it made gaps in other areas. Finally after playing with it for two days I have it looking better but I’m not sure it’s right. Some the pieces are not laid out according to the diagram in the book.
If anyone knows where I can find a diagram that tells me which pieces go where I would greatly appreciate it.
Anyone else using Atlas True Track and having the same problem?
If you don’t already have it, you might want to download the free Atlas Right Track software from the Atlas website www.atlasrr.com (select “RTS Download” from the menu on the left side of the homepage)
This is a simple CAD software program that lets you create track plans using Atlas track. You could try putting the pieces together on the computer to see if they fit right or not before doing it by trial and error in real life. I know the True Track can be a pain to keep putting together & taking apart over and over again.
Keep in mind the computer is very precise, down to the gnat’s you-know-what. In reality, there’s a little bit of wiggle room, so as long as it’s “close enough” on the computer, you should be OK.
It’s sad to hear you are just entering the hobby and already frustrated. I hope this doesn’t cause you to give up the hobby Bill.
I wish I could suggest something better than contacting Atlas customer service from their web site and ask for clarification. But try Dan’s suggestion using their design software.
I looked at the plan on the site and it is impossible, if not difficult, to figure out what goes where. But if you could, no one would buy the book. And maybe that is where the problem is, in the book. I think they would at least test out their track plans before publishing them. I did a search of their forum for True Track Layout and found nothing on this.
I have older Atlas books that I used when I was starting out in the hobby before True Track came out. It’s good at indicating what piece goes where and the electrical connections. However the layout you’re using doesn’t have identical layout in the regular sectional plan book.
Maybe you have it correct now. As long as there are no kinks or bumps, it should be ok.
I’m furstrated with the Atlas True Track not with model railroading.
With 40+ years of making track you would think that Atlas would use part numbers or sizes indicating which pieces of track to use in their diagrams. With True Track being as they state “a beginner’s track” it should show which pieces of track are being used.
I downloaded the atlas software a while ago so I’ll try stokesda’s suggestion and see if I can get the pieces to go together on the computer. Hopefully I have it right.